Fetu Samoa rookie Freedom Crichton Ropati is still pinching herself at the prospect of sharing the World Cup stage with two of her biggest inspirations - cousin Stephen Crichton and brother-in-law Brian To’o.
Just four years after first playing her first game, the young winger made her NRLW debut with Parramatta in Round 11 before earning an international call-up for Samoa earlier this month.
In the process, the 18-year-old has reached a pair of milestones she thought were still years away.
Crichton Ropati with a HUGE hit
"It’s genuinely crazy because I didn’t start playing until I was 14, and I only played in school because I was too scared to play club," Crichton Ropati told NRL.com.
"When I turned 16, my sister put me in a club and then I sort of worked my way up from there, made Lisa Fiaola Cup, made Tarsha Gale Cup.
"Making the World Cup was actually crazy, because it wasn’t on my bucket list this year.
"I never even thought of it when I started playing, and I didn’t even think I would make my NRLW debut this year."
Match: Samoa v Wales
Round 2 -
home Team
Samoa
3rd Position
away Team
Wales
4th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Crichton Ropati made her IRL Rugby League World Cup debut against the Jillaroos at Commbank Stadium last Friday, the 18-year-old holding her own against some of the biggest names in women's rugby league.
She finished with a line break and produced two huge tackles on Isabelle Kelly and Tiana Penitani Gray, but the humble winger was quick to play down her debut performance.
“I don’t even think about it, I don’t give myself the buzz or anything,” she said. “It was just a fluke.”
Crichton will return to CommBank Stadium on Friday night for Samoa's clash with Wales. The match will be played as part of a doubleheader and will be followed by a showdown between Tonga and Lebanon in the Men's World Cup.
While her rise has been rapid, Crichton Ropati has had two of the most experienced NRL superstars in her corner to help guide her every step of the way.
Cousin Stephen Crichton and brother-in-law To’o have both played a big role developing her game and helping building confidence.
With all three representing Samoa at the World Cup, it's made the whole experience extra special for the family.
"They’re such good mentors, the way they are on and off the field," she said.
"Off the field they are so great, just positive and humble. If I’ve had a bad day, they’ll always check in. Their advice gets me a long way."
To’o made sure not to miss his sister-in-law’s international debut, staying behind after Samoa’s World Cup opener against France to watch her run out.
The pair have shared plenty of moments away from the field, with Crichton Ropati also crediting To’o's big brother nature for helping her navigate the highs and lows of elite rugby league.
Fetu Samoa with a powerful Siva Tau
"He's always reminding me of the one per cent, the extras that I should do away from training, and just to be positive," she said.
"I’m really bad with bad self-talk, so to have Biz in my corner constantly reminding me of the stuff that I need to do just brings me back up and my spark comes back."
Stephen has also watched his younger cousin’s progression through the ranks with pride, with the Samoan centre acknowledging what her selection means for both her and the family.
Siva Tau shakes the rafters
“It’s very special to see her journey and for her to play for Samoa at such a young age is a massive thing for her and the family,” he said.
“It’s cool how big the family is and cool to see her come into camp. At the fan day the whole family came out and got to see me, Bizza and her represent our family, so it’s very special.”
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